Boys soccer: The poll

Outlook: The Gaels will be strong again with national team player Jalen Robinson, anchoring the defense, and five other returning starters. Jordan Manley will also help control the defensive third of the field and is being recruited by several Division I schools.

Outlook: The Eagles have reloaded in a big way after falling short for three consecutive titles last season. McDonogh could have the most talented offense in the region with transfer Mike Gamble and the return of Julian Griggs.

Outlook: The Dons are poised for a breakout season and will likely challenge the traditional powers for the conference title. Loyola has a strong core of returning players, including defender Elliott Andelman, a four-year starter.

Outlook: The Mustangs lost eight starters from last season, but still have a talented group, especially on offense. Pat Sullivan and Mike Glazer combined for 18 goals last season and could be an even bigger force this season.

5. Gilman

Coach: Jon Seal. Last season: 12-7-2. Postseason: MIAA quarterfinals

Outlook: The Greyhounds will field one of their most talented squads in years, according to Seal. Goalie Andew Harris is one of the best in the area and midfielder Joe Cahalan is a four-year starter.

Outlook: The Bruins are looking to be two games better than last season to capture a Class 4A state championship. Goalie Cody Niedermeier is one of the best in the state and will lead a talented group of returning players, including four-year varsity players Josh Schwartz, Corey Johnson, Cameron Rowe and Colin Rowe.

Outlook: The Hawks will have a balanced offense, getting help with a strong midfield, and are poised for another deep playoff run. Goalie Nick Voyton leads a strong group of defenders. River Hill will get an early non-conference test against Fallston.

Outlook: The Raiders play one of the toughest schedules in the metro area, taking on some of the top teams in the MIAA A Conference. This will bode well for them during a playoff run as will Seth Moses anchoring the middle of the field.

Outlook: The Gators will be one of the top teams in what is shaping up to be a competitive Baltimore County season. Perry Hall will be tough to stop offensively with the return of Joe Glos, who had 23 points last season.

Outlook: The Raiders narrowly missed advancing to the finals by losing to Hereford on penalty kicks. The team is poised for another deep run with the return of seven starters, including All-County picks, Derek Chan, Tyler Parker and Kyle Forbes.

Outlook: The Bulls lost nine seniors from last year's impressive playoff run, but the returning players and newcomers have meshed well in the preseason. Hereford will be strong defensively with senior Stephen Vicchio and the return of senior goalie Michael Warns.

Outlook: The Cougars suffered a devastating1-0 overtime loss to Marriotts Ridge in the finals last season. Hoover, however, has built one of the most solid programs in the state and could have Fallston primed for another playoff run.

Outlook: The Friars are young with only three seniors on the 22-man roster, but they are talented. Curley will be led by a tenacious defense, anchored by center back J.P. O'Connor and goalie Jason Gordon, and will push for one of the top spots in the conference standings.

Outlook: The Cardinals will try to reload after losing 15 players to graduation, including several talented forwards. Calvert Hall narrowly missed the MIAA finals by losing to Mount St. Joseph in the semifinals on penalty kicks, but will be strong defensively with the return of Zach Wenger.

Outlook: The Lions will be tough again with 10 returning players, many of whom can play several positions. While the team lacks some of its height from last season, it will be offset by the skill level.